During the long reign of Francis I (1515-47), French composers developed a uniquely new song form, or chanson, that was distinctly national in both poetry and music. Thanks to wide dissemination by several French printers, these new chansons enjoyed tremendous popularity throughout the 16th century. Experience firsthand the joie de vivre in these wonderfully intimate songs. Included are songs about love in all its guises, as well as songs about Spring, wine making and drinking, and ribald songs about French society in general. Many of the most famous chanson composers are represented including Claudin de Sermisy, Thomas Crecquillon, Roland de Lassus and Adrian Willaert.